Studio At Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay Road Bruny Island TasmaniaA studio in a foreshore bushland setting; the first stage in the development of a 1.562 hectare site, to eventually include a house and guest chalet. The site supports a relatively intact diverse vegetation community, and a significant population of native fauna. A vegetation management plan, carried out at the project outset, informed initial design and construction decisions, and establishes an ongoing strategy for the ownerís site stewardship.
The overall site planning and architectural intent responds to consideration of topography, the diverse qualities of the bush landscape, climate, orientation and the panoramic views across Apollo Bay to the Wellington Range backdrop. The existing lake is integrated as a positive element in the overall experience, and reparation has commenced.
The simple plan and form of the studio space, with entry porch and projecting deck, provides for the ownerís interim living and working requirements. A feeling of shelter is engendered by controlled framed visual connections to the outside world; the broader panoramic experience unfolds when moving to the outside deck and the site beyond.
The building form draws connection to both the Doric temple timber prototype and Bruny shack vernacular. The minimal site impacting support platform, of driven treated timber piles, prefabricated steel and timber, is surmounted by an essentially timber building displaying a functional timber finish aesthetic both externally and internally.
View Bevan's Portfolios
Housing | Conservation & Recycling
Awards
RAIA (Tasmanian Chapter) 2004 Residential AwardHousing Industry Association (Tasmania) 2003 Greensmart Building Site Impact Award
Australian Timber Design Award for excellence in use of treated timber in an exterior structure
“Some buildings can only be adequately described as beautifully crafted jewellery boxes, and this is one. The studio is a self-contained home/workplace for its owner, and the interior is a true delight. Lovingly crafted by a local builder for the client, the result is testimony to her insight and her demanding pursuit of excellence. It shows that a truly harmonious living environment can be created without having a vast floor space, and the ingenuity in the design, which creates a wealth of storage within a simple envelope, is very elegant indeed. And the bathroom is the stuff of legend for those at peace with their natural selves... it's great.”
RAIA JURY CITATION